New York-bound Air India plane returns to Mumbai after bomb threat mid-flight

An Air India flight en route from Mumbai to New York was forced to turn back after receiving a bomb threat on Monday morning, reported PTI, citing sources. The flight, AI119, which was carrying 322 people, including 19 crew members, safely returned to Mumbai after a potential security threat was detected mid-flight.

According to PTI sources, a bomb threat was discovered in one of the aircraft’s lavatories, prompting the flight crew to follow established safety protocols. Air India confirmed in a statement that the plane, a Boeing 777-300 ER, was safely back in Mumbai by 10:25 am local time.

"A potential security threat was detected mid-flight on AI119 operating Mumbai-New York (JFK) today, 10 March 2025. After following the necessary protocols, the flight air-returned to Mumbai, in the interest of the safety and security of all on board," PTI quoted Air India as saying in a statement.


The PTI sources said there was a bomb threat and a note was found in one of the lavatories of the plane.

A passenger spotted the note with the message "There is a bomb in the flight" written on it inside the toilet and alerted the crew, a Sahar police official told PTI.

"Nothing suspicious has been found (so far) and we are conducting the investigation," the official said, adding they were in the process of registering an FIR against unidentified person in connection with the matter.

The airline reassured passengers that the flight would be rescheduled to depart on March 11, 2025, at 5:00 am, reported ANI. In the meantime, passengers have been provided with hotel accommodations, meals, and other necessary assistance.

Air India added that its ground staff is working hard to minimize any inconvenience caused to passengers by the disruption.

Chaos on Chicago-Delhi flight

Earlier, another Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi was forced to circle back to Chicago due to a technical snag, reported ANI, citing spokesperson for the airline.

The spokesperson further said that alternative arrangements were made in time for the passengers to take them to their destination.

"AI126 operating Chicago to Delhi on 6 March 2025 air-returned to Chicago due to a technical issue. Upon landing in Chicago, all passengers and crew disembarked normally and have been provided with accommodation to minimise inconvenience," the spokesperson said.

(With inputs from agencies)